Warm Home Packs are back: Help for residents to save on energy bills

Eligible residents will benefit from Warm Home Packs for the second year in a row this winter, helping them save on their energy bills as Wandsworth Council continues to deliver the most generous Cost of Living support package in London.

Last year, it’s estimated that the Warm Home Packs saved Wandsworth residents over half a million pounds in energy bills.

These free packs, available to eligible residents, are designed to help households reduce energy bills by as much as £200 a year and make homes more comfortable during the colder months. This year, we have expanded the programme to reach even more residents, ensuring vital support reaches those who need it most.

Mike, a Wandsworth resident who picked up his pack today, said: “My place is very draughty. The house was built in 1905. Some of the windows are rotting and letting in draughts so whatever I can do to minimise that if it gets cold would be good. I’m most excited about the draught excluders and light bulbs.”

Elaine, another local resident benefitting from this year’s scheme, also has a draughty home. “When you put the heating on, you don’t get the benefit, and it costs a lot of money. Last winter, I had no money, no electricity, and no gas. I had to put on a woolly hat and gloves to keep warm.”

Each Warm Home Pack contains energy-saving measures such as LED light bulbs, radiator foil, and draught-excluding tape, which can significantly reduce home energy costs.

We wrote to households that we think may qualify for a Warm Home Pack and invited them to a launch event at Wandsworth Town Hall today (30 October) where they were given their pack, along with useful energy-saving advice.

Cllr Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We know that this winter will be tough for many residents, which is why we’ve introduced an even more generous support package this year.

“By expanding the eligibility criteria and providing tailored interventions for some households, we’re committed to ensuring every resident who needs help can access it.

“We know that warm homes and sustainability come hand in hand. These Warm Home Packs play the vital double role of keeping more money in our residents’ pockets this winter, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of individual homes by capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.”

Eligibility has been expanded to include households with a combined annual income of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 last year) and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between D and G. Find your EPC certificate on the Government website.

Anyone from an eligible household can receive a home visit from our partners at SW Leap, who will be able to suggest tailor-made energy-saving solutions for their home intended to further reduce their bills.

Cllr Simon Hogg, Council Leader, said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure that no one in Wandsworth is left behind this winter.

“Our £15 million Cost of Living support fund is the biggest and most generous in London, and we will keep investing it where it makes the most difference to people’s lives.”

How you can collect a Warm Home Pack

Those who have received a letter but not yet collected their packs can pick one up from 1 November from:

• Wandsworth Town Hall Reception
• Battersea Library
• Tooting Library
• Roehampton Library

Packs will be available until stock runs out.

If you haven’t received a letter and think you may be eligible, speak to staff at one of the collection hubs to find out more.

For more information on how to get tailored financial support, visit our Cost of Living hub.